Marist College

The students are quite homogenous. But that’s to be expected, especially in the freshman class. Freshman are still very much in high school mode and many stay with the familiar, therefore the same cliques that did exist, will continue until each individual is ready to define themselves. I can attest to this personally that after second semester freshman year, people start to show their true colors and personalities. The friendliness that existed on day one soon splits and people can identify with certain groups. That being said, though race diversity is somewhat low, there is plenty of opportunity to meet interesting people. YES there is a lot of people from LI and New jersey. Yes they have a common attitude, but NO that’s not all that is here. My home is over 600 miles from this campus and i have found plenty of others like me, and the New Yorkers are also quite diverse, it is up to the individual to make an effort to meet people and find people with like attitudes. On the whole, most Marist students live in what’s known as the "Marist Bubble"..and its a shame. The reviews that state there is nothing to do are obviously not looking. Marist is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, a culturally and historically rich region with TONS of activities. From hiking the Catskills, to seeing Historic New Paltz or Kingston there is a TON of culture. If Marist students actually used their cars, they could dive 10 minutes and find great eateries, movie theaters, parks, stores..ect. Onto that issue...the City of Poughkeepsie is not this void that should be avoided. Its like any other city. Do I recommend stumbling home form a night out to save the $2 cab fee? No. But its also a very historical place that has a ton to offer. The students who have gotten in trouble in Poughkeepsie fail to realize that it is NOT their City. Hardworking people live there and don’t take kindly to disrespect from college students. YES there is crime, YES there is bad areas, so keep your head right, don’t get involved in business that you KNOW you shouldn’t be involved in and everything will be fine. Poughkeepsie has a ton of interesting places that are quite safe to go. For one is The Chance Theater. An old vaudeville theater it hosts some of the biggest names in music without the MSG prices. They just had Bret Michales and are having the comedian Gallagher , Third Eye Blind, Eve 6 and more, all for tickets around $20. But most of Marist doesn’t even know what’s in their backyard.

As for being spoiled, many are but many are not. Myself and others have taking on campus jobs, or like me Work in the city part time to pay for school and expenses. Not only is it a great resume builder but gives real work experience. Plus, I don’t have to rely on my parents for money, and can enjoy activites because I have a source of income.

There is a ton of extracurricular actives to meet new people. Try out 2 or 3, not like most who join everything and then are productive in none. it’s a great way to meet people who do not live with you or have class with. Also, don’t listen to the hype about Greek life. Its not animal house. As a member of a fraternity on campus I can tell you the stigma out there is not true. My Fraternity holds one of the highest combined GPA of any club and Greek life contributes philanthropically to many events. Yes we party…on weekends…after school. Joining the fraternity was one of the best decisions I made. It got me out of the mainstream and vastly helped my networking both in and soon after college. That is how you achieve life long friendships, not through other means that Marist students take.

The professors here vary as in any school. If you actually want to learn, The staff has faculty with immense experience and drive for education, you just have to find them. DONT go to RateMyProfessor and find the easiest teacher, if that’s what you want save your money and go to community college. Many students DONT take class seriously and it shows, but I have obtained an excellent education thought diligent work and focus. All while being able to balance that workload with work and play.

Overall, like any school its what you make of it. Get past the surface of people and you will find some great characters, a fun place with cultural sites, bars, parties, clubs and whatever else you may look for, it just take some work.

To sum it up, if you’re looking for a small school, where you can get personal attention and you have the will to push yourself then Marist is a great school. College is what you make of it.